Principle of Meritocracy

Ee Moi spoke to me about briefly about this when we had our assignment consultation last friday. It is amazing when we come into a different realm of knowledge and looking at the world around us.

It all began last week when she had to tutor her son and his friend on the topic of Governance for Social Studies. My initial concept of Meritocracy was that as long as one works hard, one will reap what one sows in the future. Yet, I did not question the assumptions underlying this idea.

In Singapore, this idea is strongly emphasized. The government often preaches that in order for us to survive in the future, we have to work hard. This includes studying really hard and achieving good results.

But are we all on equal playing fields?

Children born to better-educated parents and rich parents tend to have the resources to acquire a larger pool of 'Cultural Capital'. These children have the access to learn more about the world through their travels and parents' guidance. They have the resources to purchase computers, subscribe to Internet which hosts a large amount of information and buy many books.

What about children who do not have such access? What can they depend on? THeir parents? Themselves? Their parents have no clue how to provide them with intellectual stimulus to awake their search for knowledge. The children themselves have no idea what do with their lives. Or only perhaps till something major happens and their lines of thoughts are skaken.

With such great disparity and inequality, how can this principle of Meritocracy still stand true?

Well, the government has tried to make sure that we are all on somewhat equal footing, yet, to achieve the perfect balance, it is still idealistic.

I think of my life and childhood. It is true. When I was young, my parents had totally no idea of how to complement home education with public education. There were so many instances when I questioned myself the purpose for my existence. I had no idea at that time that life has a purpose and a meaning. School and education was such an abstract concept to me.

As I grew older, and by chance managed to survive, I started travelling. Travelling opened my eyes to the so many wonders of the world. I started questioning and discovering for myself what life on Earth is all about.

Imagine if a child did not have the opportunity to travel and interact with different people, how would his view of the world be like? Will the child be able to accept new challenges as the world around us becomes more dynamic?

Will the child develop negative feelings towards things and people around him/her because he felt short-changed?

Or will the child simply hide in his world where things are fairly simple and constant? Is this possible?